My Story

My Story

By Melissa Miranda

Look at me, what do you see?  Do you see a daughter and sister, a mother of four, a best friend, a classmate, an ex-wife, a professional, or a neighbor? I am all this and more.  I’m a poet, a teacher, an accountant, a believer, a housekeeper, a chef, a time keeper, a mediator, an analyst, an optimist; and yes, even more. 

I wish I could say my parents talked about college; I can’t even recall a moment that they did.  I wish my family was comprised of college-educated folks – doctors, lawyers, and teachers perhaps. I chalk it up to “you don’t know what you don’t know.”  My parents didn’t know much about college; no one in their family ever went to college.  They did know, however, about hard work.  For that I am most grateful.  My parents, middle-class, blue-collared workers, instilled in me the desire to work hard – without excuses.  In fact, as soon as I was old enough, I went to work.  By the age of 15, I was working four nights a week and weekends all while keeping my grades up in school.  My parents taught me what they knew, which was how to be a responsible, hardworking adult.   

I started my own family just after high school.  I learned a trade and went to work immediately as a secretary.  I’m not sure why; but, shortly after I started working, I desired more.  Somehow I knew there was potential in me that I wanted to explore.  As a result, I signed myself up for (business) classes as a part-time, night student at a local university.  One night per week, I’d go to school.  Immediately, I realized how much I loved to learn – even more so as an adult.  A class here and there was good; but, I lacked a clear goal, direction, and focus.  I didn’t understand this new academic world.  I didn’t even realize, then, how important a degree would be when it came down to financial security and providing for my family.

My family grew and school was often placed on the back burner.  My focus at work, though, was stronger than ever.  I was learning from professionals, who I deemed mentors.  At work, I had a desire to learn as much as I possibly could.  Soon, I was recognized for my work.  Life is always changing.  The children were growing; and, I began receiving more challenging assignments at work.  I knew that the only difference between myself and the majority of my colleagues wasn’t that they knew more or were smarter than me, it was that they earned a college degree and I did not.  In fact, many had their Master’s degree; yet, I am doing the same type of work.  Because of this, I’ve put pressure on myself; that I must work twice as hard to prove my ability.  The fear grew too.  What would happen if I lost my job? Who would acknowledge my skills and experience and overlook that I’m missing an education? As a result, I went back to school – again.    

This time, I was a full-time student and worked about 30 hours per week with the responsibilities of a husband and three children at home.  Although, my grades were good, I was a master of multitasking or “juggling” as I refer to it.  I could juggle more balls than anyone I knew.  I was unaware, however, or simply naïve, that one wrong move could impact everything.  What came next set my course for the next five years.  My marriage fell apart.  I won’t go into the messy details; but, it was extremely traumatic for my family and me.  Suddenly - I was at an emotional and physical standstill.  Literally, all the balls that I once juggled with precision - dropped all at once. It took everything I had within me – as a mother and provider, to regain strength to get the children off to school in the morning and to show up at work.  Needless to say my education, once again, took its place; but, not on the back burner this time – it went into the trash.  This time, I accepted that I’d never have the chance to go back to school.  My time came and went.  The oldest of my (now) four children was getting ready for college herself.  Instead of my own education, I’d put do whatever it took to make sure she knew about college, that I’d support her to get there, and that she would finish what I could not.

Let’s fast forward about five years.  My daughter is now in her third year at Rhode Island College – not without its challenges – but, it’s a very proud moment for me whenever I get to say that.  When I first heard about College Unbound, it seemed too good to be true.  I immediately looked for the loop holes that would surely prevent me from participating.  After all, I had a good job and never planned on going back to school.  What I learned was that there were no loop holes.  College Unbound offered an opportunity that I would be foolish to ignore.  The opportunity to obtain a college degree, get credit for previous course work, get credit for work experience, and focus on workplace (work-based) projects vs. traditional classroom learning.       

What I’ve learned is that I closed the door on my education, my growth, and my potential much too soon. College Unbound has awakened in me: hope, resilience, creativity, confidence, and possibility.  This opportunity and my education, in general, will make all that I am – better than I could have ever imagined.  After all, it doesn’t really matter how I get there or how long it took; what matters is that I get there.